Events and Notices - Issue 101 Dec 03

AN ELF HELPS NORFOLK BEAT SUFFOLK
The Norfolk Editor wishes to express his thanks to Mrs Elfrida Bourne. While grand-daughter sitting in Norwich, Elfrida’s computer has been used, away from the distractions of home. Also, the PC of his other daughter Deanna was borrowed while his own was being rebuilt. As a result, for the first time, Norfolk Section copy for B&C 101 was in the Norwich Office before the Suffolk copy!

THANKS CHAPS
Thanks are due to 2 Watton Rotarians who gave the Norfolk Editor considerable assistance in the closing stages of this issue. A dead PC as well as laptop left the Editor with a problem. Both chaps are ex-Service and when the need to get ‘Reggie’ sorted was explained they kindly lent 2 antique PCs, both of which needed much Wiggly Amp type tweaking to run. But never mind, much typing was accomplished and transferred to a floppy disc then to a CD for the printer. (Too much info! Ed.) They were National Service Royal Artillery Sgt Derek ‘Dilligaf’ Smith and Sqn Ldr Martin Anscombe. Our Dark Blue Job, WW2 submariner Lt Peter Beech, lived too far away in the Naerfalk sticks to be troubled, or it could have been a tri-service effort.
B&C 101 Dec 03

CONGRATULATIONS ON PROMOTION
We congratulate our Norwich RHQ ‘Dogsbody’ Simon Hatch on his promotion to Sgt with the East of England Regt Mortar Section.

Simon is based at HQ A (Norfolk and Suffolk) Coy in the TA Centre at Aylsham Road, adjacent to RHQ.

B&C 101 Dec 03

ROSE AND ALAN SOLOMON
Congratulations Rose and Alan on your recent 58th Wedding Anniversary.

B&C 101 Dec 03

FORGOTTEN ARMY’S BOX OF LIONS
By CD Johnson in Norfolk the book details the true story of the defence and evacuation of the largest supply depot on the Imphal Plain, 1944. Compiled from War Diaries, eyewitness accounts, and previously unpublished records, this book details this overlooked and unknown action fought by mostly administrative troops. The author’s late father, who served 21 years with the R Norfolk Regt, was a survivor of this action. It includes a contribution by the last known Japanese survivor. 120 pages, 51 photographs, maps and documents. Ł11 incl p&p. Tel 01508 480257.
B&C 101 Dec 03

ROYAL NORFOLK REGIMENT OFFICERS’ DINNER 2003
The 2003 dinner was held in the Norfolk Club on Fri 6 Jun 2003. A black-tie occasion with Regimental silver, there were no speeches and no seating plan. It was held on the traditional first Friday in June, to coincide with the D-Day Landings. Historically, Gen Jack Dye informs us, the Dinner was held in London the night before The Derby. Attend in 2004 ‘with a fellow officer’ and ensure the centenary of the Dinner Club is celebrated.
Click here for details of the 2004 Centenary Dinner.
If you are not on the list contact RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
B&C 101 Dec 03

THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 2003
At The Royal Norfolk Show 25-26 June 2003 the Regimental Tent welcomed many former friends and members of the Regt, enjoying a sit down and relating old memories over a cup of tea or a glass of warm beer.
SSI John Gilbert and Cadets from Aylsham Road Troop, Cadet Norfolk Artillery Battery, again provided the night guard and staffed the reception and lunch on the opening day.
B&C 101 Dec 03

Lunch guests			Flowers by Janine Raybould
Click photographs to enlarge
SSI John Gilbert and Cadets from Aylsham Road Troop From left: Gnrs Lauren Tichomb and Kirsten Crothers, LBdr Kenneth Pottle, Gnrs Scott Samson and Danny Fowler Missing is Bdr Steph Rhodes, pictured right	Steph Rhodes in warry mode on Bridgham Heath!	Norfolk ACF SSI John Gilbert, Aylsham Road Tp, CNA Bty and Lt Roly Uppiah, Norfolk ACF 1st Aid Offr, who called in to check no one had expired from fumigation by the Webmaster's pipe!

D-DAY VETERANS DINNER 2003
The Norfolk Editor was delighted to receive an invitation to attend, with Janine, the 1st Bn DV Dinner at the Oaklands Hotel, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, on Tue 10 Jun.
It was indeed humbling to meet so many Regimental Legends.
The D-Day Veterans hierarchy is: President: Maj Gen Jack Dye CBE MC DL; Chairman - Mr Nigel Bird; Secretary - Mrs Lucie Best; Treasurer - Capt John Lincoln MC and Overseas Organiser Mr Bill Holden MBE.
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4TH BATTALION GARDEN PARTY 2003
The Garden Party was held on Sun 6 Jul 2003 at The Manor House, Great Witchingham, the home of the late Capt John Barratt‘s son, David, who wishes the event to continue. We are most grateful for his hospitality to many Old Comrades and their wives / lady friends. The next Garden Party is on Sun 4 Jul 2004. Anyone not on the mailing list should contact the 4th Bn OCA Hon Sec Maj John Housego via the Norfolk Section Editor or RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
Click here for an extended obituary for Capt John Barratt who died on 9 Jul 2002
B&C 101 Dec 03

MV GEORGIC REUNION 16 AUG 03
Following the Independence of India on 15 Aug 1947, the 2nd Bn The Royal Norfolk Regt were the first British Infantry Bn to leave India. They left aboard the SS Georgic bound for the UK and eventual disbandment of the Bn in Mar 48.
An article on the departure appeared in B&C 88 Jun 97.
2nd Bn members who were aboard attended a lunch reunion on Sat 16 Aug, the Saturday nearest to 15 Aug, to commemorate the occasion at The Union Jack Club, close to Waterloo Station in London.
For more, see Georgic Index and B&C 101 Dec 03 - SS Georgic model presented.
Click here for her Lloyds Register record and a Liverpool Nautical Research Society account by Michael Phillips
B&C 101 Dec 03

NORWICH BRANCH LUNCH 30 NOV 2003
A Branch Lunch for members, guests and their ladies was held on Sun 30 Nov 2003 at the Cavalier Hotel, Norwich.
At Ł15.50 per head for a Sherry reception, a 4-course lunch, wine and port, it was again marvellous value, heavily subsidised by Branch funds !
Near right, Mike & Sylvia Smith and Barney Taylor.
Far right, the late Barney & Ruth Taylor. Click here for their obituaries in B&C 106 Jun 06.
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4 ROYAL NORFOLK ASSOCIATION DINNER SAT 24 APR 2004
Sat 24 Apr 2004 at The Cliff Hotel, Gorleston. Ł16 per head. In 2003 there was Soup, Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, potatoes and Chef's selection of vegetables, Golden Syrup sponge, Coffee and Mints. Plus the Famous Housego Raffle!
Contact the 4th Bn OCA Hon Sec Maj John Housego via the Norfolk Section Editor or RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
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D-DAY VETERANS 6OTH ANNIVERSARY VISIT IN JUN 2004
Bill Holden MBE is planning the 60th Anniversary visit to Normandy in 2004. A hotel in Caen and another in Vire have been booked for the 12-day visit Wed 2 Jun to Sun 13 Jun 2004.
For further information contact the Norfolk Section Editor or RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
Due to cancellations there are now a few vacancies. Contact Bill Holden for a booking form on 01603 454627.
The cost of the coach and ferry from Portsmouth to Caen and return is included in the price.
Half-board accommodation at The Royal Hotel, Caen 2-9 Jun then half-board accommodation at The Hotel de France, Vire 9-13 Jun.
Full cost with 2 persons sharing a double room, with a choice of single or double beds - Ł459
Full cost for single room occupancy - Ł 571
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ROYAL NORFOLK REGIMENT OFFICERS’ DINNER 2004
2004 marks the centenary of the Dinner Club. Membership is open to officers who wore, or wear, the cap badge of The Norfolk, Royal Norfolk, A (R Norfolk) Coy 6 R Anglian and the A (Norfolk and Suffolk) Coy East of England Regt.
Historically, Gen Jack Dye informs us, the Dinner was held in London the night before The Derby and, latterly, on the first Friday in June, to coincide with the D-Day Landings. Attend in 2004 with a fellow officer and a 'Lady of your choice' and ensure the event is celebrated in style.
Sat 5 Jun - R Norfolk Regt Museum Champagne Reception 1830 hrs with a silent projection of 1944 archive photographs. Black tie and miniatures Dinner in the Norfolk Club 2000 hrs for members and ladies - no seating plan and no speeches at Ł30 per head. Should numbers exceed the dining room capacity of 60 a buffet meal will be provided. Photographs will be taken to record the event.
Sun 6 Jun - Drumhead Service in R Norfolk Regiment Remembrance Garden at Easton College, Norwich. Click for details.
B&C 101 Dec 03 on loose sheet and amended Feb 04

D-DAY COMMEMORATION SERVICE
Sun 6 Jun - Drumhead Service in R Norfolk Regiment Remembrance Garden at Easton College, Norwich, 1030 hrs, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D-Day, conducted (in the absence of The Revd Canon Bill Sayer who will be in Normandy) by The Revd Ken Reeve (1 East Anglian and Hon Chaplain to the Suffolks), then tea/coffee and biscuits at the College.
It is also the Easton College Open Day so parking will be tight. Arrive early!
Transport is available, departing from Tombland, at 0930 hrs.
After the Service, there will be NO Officers' Lunch at the Norfolk Club.
B&C 101 Dec 03 on loose sheet and amended Feb 04

THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 2004
At The Royal Norfolk Show 30 Jun - 1 Jul 2004 the Regimental Tent will be open to all ranks. Thursday is less busy and gives a better chance to meet former friends and members of the Regt, enjoy a sit down and relate old memories over a cup of tea or a glass of warm beer. A Regimental tie is your passport! (It doesn't seem to matter which Regt !) But don't do a 'Tapper' !
Click here to read of the 1980s horrors confronting The Late Col Alex Turnbull when an Antipodean Lt, Craig Tapper, attached to A (Royal Norfolk) Coy, 6 R Anglian, tried passing the portals of the Regimental tent dressed in shorts, thongs and (rumour has it) corks !
B&C 101 Dec 03

MV GEORGIC REUNION 16 AUG 04
Following the Independence of India on 15 Aug 1947, the 2nd Bn The Royal Norfolk Regt were the first British Infantry Bn to leave India. They left aboard the MV Georgic bound for the UK and eventual disbandment of the Bn in Mar 48.
An article on the departure appeared in B&C 88 Jun 97.
2nd Bn members who were aboard attended a lunch reunion on Sat 16 Aug, the Saturday nearest to 15 Aug, to commemorate the occasion at The Union Jack Club, close to Waterloo Station in London.
If you are not on the mailing list contact Ron Stokoe via the Norfolk Section Editor or RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
For more, see Georgic Index and B&C 101 Dec 03 - MV Georgic model presented.
Click here for her Lloyds Register record and a Liverpool Nautical Research Society account by Michael Phillips.
B&C 101 Dec 03

ROYAL NORFOLK REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION DINNER 25 SEP 2004
Sat 25 Sep 2004 at The TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB.
We promise it will be better than that anticipated for the 1946 dinner, reported in ‘The Britannia’: 'The food situation is none too rosy just now, and our high hopes of a splendid feast are likely to be reduced to a crust and a nibble of cheese, but at any rate we can be reasonably sure of plenty of good fellowship, and a bar.' It is 6.30 pm for a 7 pm start and be warned, Paul Boxall will again be checking your name on the Nominal Roll!
Details will be sent to you nearer the time. If you are not on the mailing list, call RHQ on 01603 400290 to be added!
Click here for a report on the 2003 Dinner.
B&C 101 Dec 03

KOHIMA REUNION 2004
2004 will be the 60th anniversary of the battle of Kohima. Since 1950, veterans of the battle, along with their friends, families and contemporary members of the 2nd Division, have met annually to commemorate the comradeship of all who served at Kohima and the sacrifice of those who did not return. 2004 will see the last of these reunions. GOC 2 Div has said his HQ will continue to commemorate the battle annually. Anyone not on the mailing list who wishes to attend this final reunion should write to HQ 2 Div, Imphal Barracks, York, YO1 4AU.
B&C 101 Dec 03

Editorial Rule
To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened.
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.
However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.